It’s easy enough to find a blogging platform that doesn’t cost anything to use, Bear itself has a decent enough free tier, but how many of us do end up spending some money on our little journals? For me, there’s a few things I always pay for:
When people buy a domain for their blog, it’s a clear sign they intend to stick around. I can become quite attached to a good blog, so I find myself more likely to follow someone with a domain because there’s a higher expectation they will continue it.
A domain is your online identity. If you own it, no one else can claim it. You can use it wherever you wish, and you can take it elsewhere if you’re not happy where you are. You won’t lose your readership because they follow the domain, not the platform.
For me, this is an essential expense.
In today’s age of data collection and privacy concerns, I prefer to pay for my blogging platform or hosting. Then I know that it’s my subscription and not my personal information that’s funding the development, server costs etc.
For smaller companies, like Bear, paying also helps support the free tier for those that don’t subscribe. Not everyone can afford to pay for their blog and I think it’s important to help keep that option alive, sustainably.
I’m undoubtably in the minority here as there are many wonderful free fonts available. However, as a typography nerd, I’m always looking for the next best thing and that means I’ve encountered some irresistible premium fonts. There is a ceiling on this - I have spent no more than £100 on a font family because that really is my justifiable limit for a personal blog.
I’ve written a few posts about the subject here:
I have actually changed the font again just yesterday, so the last post is not up-to-date
When I do use a free font, I always host it directly to avoid usage tracking (looking at you Google). I also try to use original font foundries, who sometimes sell premium fonts alongside their free offerings as a sustainable and ethical business model.
Bear includes a simple editor, but I much prefer to use something a little fuller-featured. There are plenty of text and markdown editors available for free, or for a nominal subscription - there’s no reason to spend a fortune, just pick the one that feels comfortable. I happen to like Paper, which is free with extra personalisation for an annual or lifetime cost. It has a very pleasant interface and allows me to use my own font. I blogged about it in Finding the Perfect Writing App.
What elements of blogging do you feel are worth paying for? If you happen to write a post about it, pop me a link and I’ll share.
View Comments (3)
Thank you for this post! Because of it, I explored text editors that support markdown. Didn't really know they existed! I may not have settled for Paper but I found one that fits my needs (Markdown One)
- That’s wonderful, and thank you for letting me know my post was helpful. :) I should perhaps have included some links to editors I had previously tried, maybe that’s an idea for a future post! ~Becky
Greetings from a fellow enjoyer of Heliotrope. Always a treat to find it in use out and about.
- Yay, I’ve not found another Heliotrope fan until now. :D Looks fantastic on your website too! ~Becky
Love your post about the cost of blogging!
I wholeheartedly agree about the personal domain...I, too, can be attached to a good blog, so knowing they've invested a bit into it (mine is something like $12/year) makes me more likely to keep up with it.
I'm also very happy to pay for Bear. $6/month doesn't seem like such a cost for such a great service that I get so much out of.
Anyway, enjoying your posts.
(Web hug.)
Corey
- I’m so glad you enjoyed reading my blog and thank you for for sharing your thoughts on this post. ~Becky